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SteepleCats Fall to Blue Sox

June 24, 2016 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
North Adams SteepleCats News Release


In a game that saw fantastic pitching and defense on both sides, the North Adams SteepleCats came up on the short end of a 2-1 loss to the Valley Blue Sox Thursday night at Mackenzie Stadium. With the loss, the SteepleCats fell to 7-6 on the season.

"You got to tip your cap to their pitcher (Aaron Leashner)," said Head Coach Mike Armstrong. "He was ahead of our hitters every at bat. I thought our guys did a good job laying off pitchers pitches but when you get nothing to hit it is hard to find anything out there to hit hard."

Leashner lasted six innings for the Blue Sox. He allowed one run off of five hits and struck out six. SteepleCats starter Ben Olson also gave up one run off of five hits lasting five and a third innings.

The game was still scoreless going into the sixth when Jean-Francois Garon led off with a single for the 'Cats. Daniel Holst followed with a bunt single advancing Garon to second. With two outs in the inning, Benjamin Bengston singled home Garon to put the 'Cats on top 1-0.

The Blue Sox answered in the bottom of the inning when Erik Ostberg led off with a single and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kipp Moore. That ended the night for Olson. Bryce Barr came on in relief and walked Cameron O'Neill to put runners at first and second. David Leiderman hit a two out double scoring both runners to give the Blue Sox the 2-1 lead.

A major positive from this game is that the 'Cats played outstanding defense. With Olson not recording a single strikeout in his outing, the defense was able to back him up and make plays throughout the game.

"Tonight was a really good ball game well fought by both sides," said Coach Armstrong. "If the guys keep playing like this we will be happy."

The big defensive play came in the bottom of the seventh when the Blue Sox had runners at the corners with one out, looking to extend their lead. Travis Jones hit a line drive to center which 'Cats center fielder Daniel Holst was able to catch for the second out. He then threw home and gunned down Brennan Washington who was trying to score from third to end the inning.

"That was a game saving play," said Coach Armstrong. "To keep us in it, to limit it to a one run lead and give us a chance in the ninth."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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